Exposing Spiritual Abuse

Voice of the Martyrs Hires Convicted Embezzler as Vice President

Meet Stephen J Lindquist, VOM’s Vice President.To all those donors who are still supporting Voice of the Martyrs financially, please ask yourselves why Voice of the Martyrs would hire a convicted embezzler to work at VOM and then name him as a Vice President. Besides this mugshot of Mr. Lindquist, something seems to be wrong with the picture at Voice of the Martyrs. Where did they even learn about him?

The following is taken from an Open Letter Richard Wurmbrand’s son, Michael, posted on the Internet in protest of Voice of the Martyrs operations:

All of the above occurred while, at the same time… Without any reasons proffered, they sent a termination of employment letter to me, Richard Wurmbrand’s son, who founded the mission, four days only after I asked for an independent investigation of the expenses and travels of the suicidal and suspected pedophile past chairman of VOM, USA.”

A former Globe-News employee pleaded guilty Wednesday to two felony theft charges linked to embezzlement of company funds.

Former Production Director Stephen John Lindquist pleaded guilty to two counts of theft over $20,000 but under $100,000. District Judge Abe Lopez of 108th District Court sentenced Lindquist to 10 years of probation and ordered him to pay restitution totaling $90,789.38.

Lindquist, 45, paid $10,000 toward his restitution Wednesday.

A Potter County grand jury indicted Lindquist on the two theft charges last year.

One indictment alleged that Lindquist unlawfully exercised control over U.S. currency valued at between $20,000 and $100,000.

The indictment alleged the theft was part of a continuing course of conduct that began June 8, 1999, and continued until Aug. 14, 2002.

The second indictment alleged Lindquist unlawfully exercised control over U.S. currency valued at between $20,000 and $100,000.

It alleged the theft also was part of a continuing course of conduct that began Feb. 22, 1999, and continued until Sept. 20, 2002.

Assistant 47th District Attorney Adrian Castillo said the thefts involved two schemes. One scheme involved falsifying invoices paid to a company owned by Lindquist’s father, and the other involved improper receipt of funds from recycled scrap metals, Castillo said.

The charges are third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Lindquist, accompanied by attorney Charles Rittenberry, agreed to pay restitution over a 10-year period and told the judge he understood the plea would cover all claims involving the Amarillo Globe-News.

Lindquist, who had no previous criminal record, also submitted a restitution schedule to the judge but said he would increase his monthly payments if he is financially able.

“If I can do more than that I will do so,” Lindquist said.

Globe-News Publisher Les Simpson said he was glad to have the case resolved.

“I’m glad we are ending this sad chapter of the Globe-News. Justice was served and now we’ll move on,” Simpson said. “I’m very appreciative of the hard work of the district attorney’s office to help us on this case.”

As a Christian ministry necessarily required to be accountable to it’s supporters, who through their donations account for 95 % of Voice of the Martyrs revenue, should they not want to be very careful, as well as frugal, in the handling of all the donor’s contributions?

In any case, the bible we and they go by says this:” Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1st Thessalonians 5:22